Leaves!!!!

Ross's favorite time of year. He absolutely loves when there are enough leave to make big piles. Leaf piles are his happy place. 

Thumbs up for leaves! 

C was there too! 

She and Daddy were nailed a few times by Boss. 

Meanwhile, this one has developed a fear of being in the front yard b/c of the street. We can hardly get her off the steps. So she watched. 

Ross took pity on her and did pose for a pic. 

Silly face, of course. 

Christmas Decorating, Playing, Cooking

The kids helped decorate the tree after Thanksgiving. So glad they are old enough to help, and I just let them put decorations where they want. I got past the ornament adjustment a while back. We had C to help this year too.

Once the tree was decorated the girls played Play-Doh. They spent a long time playing. It was sweet.

Then we made "frozen" jello. 

While the Jello set we went outside and put Christmas stuff outside. I love to see the kids enjoy it. 

...even the blow-up things. :) 

Thanksgiving

We went to Mom's for Thanksgiving. C was with us that week. It was a lot of fun with so many kids. I won't lie and say I wasn't worried about the first holiday we had to celebrate without Big A there. It was ok. Random moments, but we had a good day. The weather was wonderful so we even got to play outside a lot.

Merida was actually in attendance the entire day.

Road Trip to IL with Ross

The morning after Polar Express Boss and I got up and hit the road for Washington, IL. The last time we had a Mom/Son trip was when we went there 2 years ago. It's a tradition.

When we arrived they picked up like usual. Always fun! 

We were actually there for McKenna's baptism. I was so honored that she asked me to be there for her.

I have no idea what he is doing here, but it cracks me up so it needs to be on the blog. 

She got a dog from her grandmother for her baptism gift. Buddy. He was SO tiny. Ross loved trying to feed him with the syringe. I got her a pearl bracelet. Such a snoozer compared to a puppy. 

Polar Express

As soon as their programs were over we headed to Branson for Polar Express. We surprised the kids with new pajamas and the news! They were super excited. It was SUPER cold! 

Once we got on the train we warmed up and were ready to hit the rails. 

The conductor came by and punched our tickets. 

Then came the Hot Hot Hot Chocolate. 

...and sugar cookies, which Avery dipped in her hot chocolate.

SANTA! 

Fun times after we saw Santa.

Thanksgiving Videos from Ross's Program

Thanksgiving at School with Ross

I snapped a quick pre-party photo.

Second grade is the last year they have a Thanksgiving party/ program. Therefore, they do it big! 

Ross did the intro with another little girl, and then they went through the alphabet saying what each letter meant. Ross was I. 

Obligatory family pictures with our pilgrim.

Mom and Dad were both there, but somehow I always only end up with a pic with one or the other. 

We love our pilgrim!!!